Water UK response to SMF report on the costs of nationalising the water industry

Industry

5 February 2018

Responding to the Social Market Foundation report on the costs of nationalising the water industry in England, Water UK Chief Executive Michael Roberts said:

“This independent report should give real pause for thought to those who favour nationalising the water sector. It risks adding significantly to the national debt, with serious harm to the wider economy and future investment. The £90 billion spent on nationalisation would be the same as what is spent on education or the salaries of every doctor, nurse and other NHS employee twice-over. Taxpayers would also bear the brunt of paying another £100 billion for infrastructure investment.

“Water companies have a strong track record delivering real results over the past three decades. They’ve invested £150 billion, reduced leakage, improved drinking water quality, and helped improve our environment. We have a service to be proud of – let’s not risk undoing what’s been achieved.”